SN 1986J exploded in 1983 in the edge-on galaxy NGC 891 which is about
10 Mpc away. Our group
has observed the supernova from the time shortly after its discovery in
1986 to the present. The
supernova shows a shell of emission that is strongly modulated in brightness
along the ridge.

The galaxy NGC 891 and the supernova 1986J (epoch Nov. 2002).

The shell expanded originally with a speed of about 20,000 km/s but subsequently
slowed down
to about 6,000 km/s in 2003.

Sequence if images taken in 1987, 1988, 1990, 1999, and 2002. A dynamic
beam is used for the convolution.

Recently we discovered a bright radio
component in the center of the expanding shell. This component is likely emission
associated with a neutron star or a black hole believed to be left over from
the explosion.
See the press releases for more information: NRAO press releaseYork press
release

See press response: York summary
Artist's view (G. Arguner) Image at 6cm
(red and contour) The galaxy NGC 891 and images
shows the expanding shell. Image
of SN 1986J at 6, 3.6, and 2 cm.
at 2 cm (blue) shows the newly
The component at 2 cm is
discovered central component.
unresolved, located in the center
of the shell, and has an inverted
spectrum.